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The Graceville News, 1004 10th Avenue, Graceville, FL (2026)

01/03/2026

Lilly Street Obituary

Lilly Mae Street, 86, of Chipley, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026 at her daughter’s home.

Lilly was born February 24, 1939 in Chipley, Florida to Andrew and Mary Harrell. She was of the Christian faith and attended Eastside Baptist Church in Vernon, Florida. Lilly attained her Master’s of Nursing degree and was a Professor at George Wallace Technical College where she retired after many years. She enjoyed teaching, traveling, spending time in her garden tending to her flowers and reading. She loved to sew, making clothes, dolls, quilts and other projects for those she loved. Most of all, Lilly loved her children and grandchildren dearly, as they were her pride and joy. She will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph M. Street; son, Michael Edward Street; granddaughter: Crystal Kolmetz.

She is survived by her daughter Mary “Libby” McNaron, sons Robert “Bobby” Street, Walter Samuel Street and William Stephen Street, her grandchildren, Elton Wayne Kolmetz, Jr., Nichole “Cole” Street, Ashley Lynn Peacock, and Will Austin Street, her great-grandchildren, Chris Kolmetz, Jasmine Hudson, Danny Wayne Kolmetz, Landyn Street, Londyn Street, Bo, Ty, and Weslynn; and her great-great-grandchild Selene Hudson. She also had many nieces, nephews’ cousins, friends, and pets that she loved also.

Funeral service will be held 11AM Monday, January 5, 2026 at Eastside Baptist Church in Vernon, Florida with Bro. Jonathan Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Hard Labor Cemetery in Chipley, Florida.

The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers asked to serve will be William Street, Will Street, Danny Michael McNaron, Wayne Kolmetz Jr., Shawn Hudson, and Danny Wayne Kolmetz. Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Street, Curtis Reynolds, Bobby Street, John Westcott, Leslie Griffin, and Elton Street II.

https://www.brownfh.net/obituary/lilly-street

01/03/2026

Richard Burke Obituary

Richard Doyle Burke, 74 of Chipley, went to be with his Heavenly Father as he was surrounded by his loving family and friends at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL on December 27, 2025.

Born in Tampa, Fl on June 21, 1951, to Tillman and Bonnie Burke, Richard graduated from Tampa High School and worked with his father in pest control before serving 3 years in the United States Army. After leaving the military, he was hired as a Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff where he served in the Canine Unit.

In the early 70’s, Richard moved to Chipley and a few years later started his own pest control business, Cross Country Exterminators. His vision for the business was for it to offer jobs to highly trained professional employees and provide exceptional service to its customers. Although the company has since changed owners, Richard’s early business model and his employee development proved instrumental in laying the framework to ensure its continued success some 50 years after opening in 1975.

After starting his pest control business, the only creature that Richard couldn’t exterminate was the “law enforcement bug”. He once again found himself in a uniform as he proudly served several years as a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Between being a “bug man” and a “law man” he somehow found the time to enjoy an occasional round of golf while also perfecting his study of karate. Richard was also honored to serve on the Legislative Board for the Florida Pest Control Association and further gave of his time by volunteering with youth programs at church. Many of his Royal Ranger alumni would continue to address him as Commander Burke long after they left the program!

Whether it was through providing pest control options, law enforcement duties, or karate instruction, Richard’s professional life was filled with serving his community. However, it wasn’t until he sold his business that he realized God had been nudging him toward a different type of service…ministry. Richard responded to this calling with all that he had. He would spend the final 15 years of his life in full devotion to the Lord as he, alongside other members of the Hellfighters Motorcycle Ministry, shared the way to Jesus with people both near and far.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; Tillman and Bonnie Burke, and sister; Paulette Sherman.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Burke; his daughters: Rachael Varnum, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and Tracy Cheverez, of Plant City, Florida; his siblings: Paul Burke, of Zephyrhills, Florida and Pam Pettis (Dallas), of Chipley, Florida; his grandchildren: Paige McArdle, Justin Pelland, Derek Pelland, Joey D’azzo, and Nathan Graxirena; his great grandchildren: Skylar Rae Pelland, Emmitt Pelland, Blayke Pelland, and Kollyns Pelland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Wausau Assembly of God, with Brother Danny Burns officiating. Interment will be at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chipley followed by a Celebration of Life at the Hellfighters’ Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hellfighters Ministries of Chipley.

https://www.brownfh.net/obituary/richard-burke

01/03/2026

Ronnie Hartzog Obituary

Jerry Ronnie Hartzog, age 80, passed away on December 28 after an extended illness. He grew up in Chipley, Florida, the son of Dewey and Rena Hartzog. He graduated from Chipley High School, where he played basketball and was voted “friendliest” by the 1963 graduating class. After serving a stint in the U.S. Army and an adventurous career as a rodeo cowboy and ranch hand, he received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in support of his work in agri-business, including cattle production, bovine genetics, and ranch management.

He retired from the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture (IFAS) as Coordinator of the North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna. In this role, he carried out protocol for university research projects and made presentations and demonstrations to cattlemen groups. He shared expertise on many topics, including herd management, controlled grazing, livestock facility design, bovine genetics, and embryo transfer. Many of his articles are still used in animal science and agri-business courses at the university. His work with cattlemen from northwest Florida, southwest Georgia, and southeast Alabama earned him a nomination for the coveted Davis Productivity Award by the University of Florida College of Agriculture.

Early in his career, he served on the Executive Board of the Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) and the Southeastern Association of Beefmaster Breeders. As a member of the national BBU Breed Improvement Committee, he helped plan and present the Breed Improvement Symposium in partnership with Texas A&M University. After retirement, he consulted as a certified professional livestock appraiser for banks and agricultural lending institutions.

He was an active Baptist, an ordained deacon, a former Gideon, and a member of Parkview Baptist Church. Before moving to Lake City, he participated in many mission projects with First Baptist Church of Marianna and the Chipola Baptist Association, including multiple visits to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and construction projects in West Virginia, Missouri, and other states.

He is survived by Gail (Cope) Hartzog, his wife of 57 years, and two daughters, Christy Thomas (Derick), a registered dietitian (RD), of Lake Butler; and Allison Campbell (Brett), a media specialist at Lake City Middle School; and one granddaughter Sybil Grace Thomas, who had become the light of his life. He is also survived by a brother, Wayne Hartzog, a sister, Becky Cousson, of Chipley, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral will be held in the chapel of Brown Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026 (1068 Main Street, Chipley, FL 32428). Family Visitation will be at 10:00 am (CST), followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am (CST). The graveside service will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Chipley, FL.

https://www.brownfh.net/obituary/ronnie-hartzog

01/03/2026

Obituary for Carolyn Trim Hicks

Carolyn Trim Hicks, 66 of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away, Saturday, December 27, 1959.

Carolyn was born in Avon Park, Florida on February 1, 1959, to the late Ben Trim, Jr., and Donnie Powell Trim. She enjoyed the excitement and challenges of fishing and playing bingo.

Preceded in death by her parents and one brother James Trim.

She is survived by her children Michael Trim, Efren Acosta, both of Slocomb, Suzzie Acosta, Cocoa Beach, FL, significant other James Beckworth, two grandchildren Hayden Acosta, Ethan Acosta, five brothers and sisters Benjamin Trim (Julie), Robert Trim (Jana), Kathy Massey (Wes) all of Graceville, Tammy Trim Austin, Donalsonville, GA, Ben Trim (Sandy), Esto, FL a host nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home with Robert Trim officiating.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, 1 p.m. until time of the service.

https://www.jamesandlipford.com/obituaries/carolyn-hicks-6

01/03/2026

Obituary for Donnie Sowell

Donnie Sowell, 72, of Graceville passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025, at his home. Donnie was born October 09, 1953, in Moultrie, Georgia to the late Johnnie Edward and Lucy Carter Sowell.

He spent most of his life as a truck driver and loved being outdoors. Donnie also loved mechanic work, and he was known for his ability to work on any type of vehicle, from big trucks to four-wheelers. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sister, Judy Bell, his brothers Wayne Sowell and Lamar Sowell, as well as four nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM, Friday, January 2, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Eddie Biss officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing.

https://www.jamesandlipford.com/obituaries/donnie-sowell

01/03/2026

A little Flashback Friday with a copy of a 1942 edition of The Graceville News.

12/31/2025

Update: Road has been cleaned and cleared

CAUTION: Avoid Highway 2 going toward Campbellton near Sasquatch Acres and Little Star Stables if possible. The homeowners would appreciate any help available to help get the roadway cleaned and cleared.nea

12/30/2025

Two of the Graceville Tigers Football Team’s past players have officially announced they will be entering the 2026 NFL Draft! 🏈🐅

12/30/2025

The West Jackson Retired Educators took needed items to the Northwest Florida Healthcare Network. These needed items help local children in need at a critical time in their lives. Pictured are Larry Moore, Peggy Moore, Kelsey Davis (community outreach specialist), and Kelly Faircloth (NW Florida Health Network administrator). The West Jackson Retired Educators supports children in the community.

12/30/2025

Peoples Bank of Graceville recently recognized three employees for their years of service with the bank. Pictured left are employees Angie Woods who was honored for 10 years with PBOG. Olivia Addison who was also recognized for 10 years with the local bank, and John Turner who was honored for his 15 years of service to Peoples Bank of Graceville. Congratulations and thank you for serving the community!

12/30/2025

Graceville Resident Chris Works recently helped coach in the FHSAA Rural Class Football State Championship Game. Works is an Assistant Coach on the Blountstown Tigers Football team. While the team came up short to the Hawthorne Hornets with a final score of 24 to 8, the Tigers team and coaches fought until the end. Works commented on the journey, “ Just living out my purpose to make an impact in the lives of kids especially those that have no one to believe in them. Coaching in the state championship felt surreal, I’ve been at state for basketball and track but the football feeling was even more surreal especially being one final game for it all. The future will hold what God has in store, he’s already said he has something Big so I put my faith in Him. Now I’m on to coaching girls basketball and track and field”. Also on the team but unable to play in the State Championship game due to an injury was Graceville native Curtis Ellis, Jr. Congratulations to both Coach Works and Curtis Ellis for this amazing feat!

The Graceville News

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